I hope you will check out her blog if you aren't already familiar with her.

Everyone has chosen a topic.

Mine? Order.

You know, order as opposed to, say,

disorder.

Understand this - I don't claim to be an expert, but I have a craving.

Do you ever get to a point where you just can't do anything else until you straighten up your surroundings? Yeah, that's me right about now. I need order in the house, in the yard, in my calendar, my diet, my routine. I have projects I'd like to start and/or finish, but I can't do it until I have some order! Can I get an amen? (My hubby will probably comment on the blog for the first time ever over this topic. Love you, Honey!)

During the next 31 days at A House and Yard I will begin my quest for order and (hopefully) you will read along and (ideally) be inspired to take action with me. See you Monday!

--Calista

p.s. I'm kind of nervous about this project and am forcing myself to post my intention so I don't chicken out. I even made my own little button up there. Isn't it cute?

Saturday, September 8, 2012

The air was still. The day was sunny. There had been no storm. No rain to speak of for weeks.

Pop. Crack. Down it came.

The wound is jagged, gaping.

This mighty maple with roots so deep now bears the scar of drought.

For the first time, it occurred to me that this tree may not live forever. This woody giant who captivated me with its immense footprint and octopus-like branches has felt the effects of lack of rain and cried out in thirst.

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Psalm 16:8 NLT

....but it seems like the well has run dry.

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you;

My whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NLT

These dry life times could be brought on by a difficult circumstance, disappointment, busyness. Sometimes it is the effect my own wrong-doing.

However, with God there is always hope.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

He is my God. I am His child. I trust Him with my whole life.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord

and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.

Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.

Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-9 NLT

Like the tree, you and I may bear the scars of drought. Jagged edges of doubt or fear or anger can be seen in the midst of fruit borne through prayers prayed, good deeds done, and gracious words spoken.

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.